THREE MEN HAVE been arrested in connection with a string of home raids, attacks and robberies in Belfast overnight.

The men – aged in their late 20s to early 30s – were detained shortly before 6.30am this morning after a series of reported incidents, the first of which happened at around 3am.

According to the PSNI, it was reported that a number of men had forced their way into a house in Glenfearna Green in Dunmurry and threatened two female occupants with a knife and a hammer.

The raiders demanded money, but left empty-handed.

Then, at 5am, there was a report that a group of men forced their way into a house on Ardoyne Road.

A teenage boy was assaulted at the house, according to police, and the raiders made off with the family car, a blue Suzuki Alto. A red-coloured Hyundai Accent car was also reported to have been involved in the incident.

At around 6.10am, according to a statement, “it was reported that a red-coloured Hyundai Accent car collided with a police vehicle on Glenmachen Street before making off in the direction of Donegall Road”.

The men, aged 29, 30 and 31, were arrested in Navan Green in west Belfast around 6.25am following yet another report that a number of men were attempting to force entry to a house.

The statement continues:

The men have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including burglary and aggravated burglary and remain in police custody at this time. The red-coloured Hyundai car was also recovered by Police in Navan Green.

Detectives are investigating a link between all of the incidents and are appealing for anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact Detectives at Reactive and Organised Crime at Musgrave on 101.

Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.